How much does it cost to hire Joan for a formation case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Joan offer a free consultation?

Joan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joan's office. Some formation attorneys offer free consults — check Joan's current terms during booking.

How long do formation cases in District of Columbia typically take?

Simple formation matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Joan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Joan take my case if I'm outside Washington?

Joan is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Joan will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Joan?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Joan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Joan accepting new formation clients right now?

Joan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Joan Gitelman Ochs, Formation Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Formation and Government · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

CounselatArnold And Porter Llp

Washington, DC

Practicing formation in Washington since 1981.

45+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Formation Government

Are you Joan Gitelman Ochs?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Joan Gitelman Ochs is a counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Formation and Government. Joan has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Arnold And Porter Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Washington, DC
Experience: over 45 years
Known for: Formation · Government

Handles Formation and Government matters from Washington, DC.
Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Joan's practice areas in Washington

Joan concentrates on formation and government. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Formation cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Joan takes formation matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joan agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Joan takes government matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joan agrees to represent you.

Biography

Joan Gitelman Ochs, formation attorney serving Washington

Mrs. Joan Gitelman Ochs is a lawyer practicing government contracts, corporate & incorporation. Joan received a B.A. degree from Northwestern University in 1978, and has been licensed for 45 years. Joan practices at Arnold & Porter LLP in Washington, DC.

Joan's approach to formation cases

The kind of cases Joan takes

Joan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for formation and government matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Joan studied and practices

George Washington University
J.D. · 1981
Northwestern University
B.A. · 1978

Jurisdictions

Joan's state bar admissions

District of Columbia
1981 · ACTIVE

Joan studied at J.D. in George Washington University and B.A. in Northwestern University.

Law school and academic background

Joan completed J.D. in George Washington University and B.A. in Northwestern University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joan runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Joan's legal honors and published work

Joan has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Joan's professional memberships and bar associations

The District of Columbia Bar American Bar Association
Member, Public Contract Law Section · membership

Locations

Joan Gitelman Ochs's office in Washington

Joan's primary office is at 601 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, DC, 20001. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Arnold And Porter Llp

601 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.

Washington, DC 20001

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Joan Gitelman Ochs — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Joan. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing formation attorneys in Washington.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joan Gitelman Ochs claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Joan Gitelman Ochs — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new formation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Joan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joan's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Joan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a formation attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many formation matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Joan

Joan discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in formation practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every formation matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Joan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Joan's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many formation practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Joan Gitelman Ochs

How much does it cost to hire Joan for a formation case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joan offer a free consultation?
Joan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joan's office. Some formation attorneys offer free consults — check Joan's current terms during booking.
How long do formation cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple formation matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Joan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joan take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Joan is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Joan will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Joan?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Joan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joan accepting new formation clients right now?
Joan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Formation attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia

Joan handles formation matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified formation attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Joan's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these formation attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.